Public weighs in on Van Duyn privatization
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ONONDAGA COUNTY, N.Y. -- The Onondaga County legislature opens the floor, allowing the public to weigh in on a proposal to sell
Van Duyn nursing home.
The county-owned facility is funded through next year, but legislators say there isn't enough state money to keep it in business for the long term.
Monday's public hearing brought out several people opposed to privatization. Most had personal connections to the nursing home. Their biggest concern was the quality of care, if changes are made.
Currently Van Duyn has a staff of about 500.
Syracuse resident Susan Langley says, "everything is privatized these days, but humans shouldn't be. Van Duyn is a very important facility because it takes everyone."
Upstate Services Group is one operator in the running to take over, if Onondaga County does move forward with the sale. County officials have said the home would eventually bankrupt the entire county if the current situation remained the status quo.